Trial rates caladiums for seasonality, sun and heat tolerance in Louisiana

The Hammond Research Station at Louisiana State University trialed 30 varieties of caladiums last year for their early- and late-season performance, as well as sun tolerance.

Best pink varieties were ‘Pink Beauty,’ ‘Florida Calypso’ and ‘Florida Sweetheart.’ The best reds were ‘Festivia,’ ‘Florida Cardinal,’ ‘Postman Joyner’ and ‘Scarlet Beauty.’ ‘Candidum’ and ‘White Queen’ were rated the best whites.

Bulbs were planted in mid-April in raised flowerbeds. Early-season performance was evaluated in mid-June. Late-season performance ratings were based on how the plant looked in September.

Plants were rated on fullness, brightness of leaf color and lodging.

‘Pink Beauty’ and ‘Florida Sweetheart’ are full-sun varieties, while ‘Florida Calypso’ is a shade variety.

‘Festivia,’ ‘ Florida Cardinal’ and ‘Scarlet Beauty’ are full-sun varieties and ‘Postman Joyner’ is a partial-shade variety.

‘Candidum’ is a shade variety and ‘White Queen’ is a full-sun variety.

Yan Chen, assistant professor of horticulture at LSU, managed the trials. This year Chen plans to evaluate 15 more varieties including fancy-leafed varieties that are more heat and sun tolerant, she said.

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For more: Yan Chen, Louisiana State University, (985) 543-4125; yachen@agcenter.lsu.edu.